And without sacrificing quality of life, says the housewife from Shizuoka City near Mount Fuji.

CNN: JAPAN'S DOWNSIZING FABLE

At Tokiwaya, a countryside ryokan in Shizuoka prefecture, lucky bathers can see dramatic sunsets over Toda Bay.

CNN: ASIANOW - Travel Watch | Offbeat Onsen Offer Tradition with a Twist

In Shizuoka some 100 kilometers to the west, the latest quake measured 6.4 on the Richter scale.

FORBES: In Tokyo New Earthquakes, Blackouts Add To Misery

The increase was even more marked in the race for the governorship of Shizuoka prefecture in early July.

ECONOMIST: Japan's beleaguered prime minister calls an election

For a private audience with Mount Fuji, head to Resort Pension Marine Blue, (81-558) 942-062, in Shizuoka prefecture, three hours southwest of Tokyo.

CNN: ASIANOW - Travel Watch | Offbeat Onsen Offer Tradition with a Twist

The epicenter of the Shizuoka quake was some 400 kilometers away from the Tohoku-Kanto Earthquake and on the opposite side of the capital.

FORBES: In Tokyo New Earthquakes, Blackouts Add To Misery

"Policy Net-Rainbow and Green" in Shizuoka prefecture rated all 34 candidates in its regional district by their past actions, remarks, policies and the way they did or did not respond to the group's questionnaire.

CNN: From Our Correspondent: A Gift From Korea

The Japanese media have drawn attention to a quake of magnitude 6.6 on the far side of the country, between Nagano and Niigata prefectures, and to a quake of magnitude 6.1 in Shizuoka prefecture, both within days of the main quake.

ECONOMIST: The myth and reality of the Japanese earthquake